Donald James Brennan

Donald James Brennan, age 93, passed away peacefully in the Pond Home in Wrentham, Massachusetts on Thursday, January 28, 2016. Born in East Walpole, Massachusetts on August 10, 1922, he was the son of the late Everett and Mabel (Matthews) Brennan. He was raised in East Walpole and graduated from Walpole High School with the Class of 1940.

After the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, Donald enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps to serve his country during World War II. He served as a Radio Operator on board a B-29 Bomber. His skills in radios and Morse Code, led him to become an instructor for other radio operators and was stationed with the 247th AAF Base Unit. Donald traveled to Cuba while preparing to enter the Pacific Theater of Operations, however shortly after arriving in Cuba, the Japanese signed the instument of surrender, ending the War in the Pacific. He was honorably discharged in December of 1945 after earning the rank of Sergeant.

Upon his return home from the Army Air Corps, Donald settled back in his hometown of East Walpole and took a position with Bird and Son as a machinist. While working there, he met his wife, Regina M. Cotton and they were married on November 5, 1951 in the Methodist Church in Dedham. They settled in East Walpole and eventually purchased the home next door to his parents house. After Bird and Son closed its doors, he took a position with GTE in Needham, where he spent 5 years, retiring in 1988.

Donald had a strong devotion to his faith and was an active member of the Union Congregational Church for most of his life. He also took pride in his membership with the Free Masons in the Azure Lodge in Walpole. As a devoted member of the Walpole community, Donald was instrumental in establishing the Walpole Little League Program, where he served as an umpire for countless games.

Above all, family was most important to Donald, he loved following his children and grandchildren in their different sporting events. He had a deep love for his family's roots in Prince Edward Island, taking yearly trips to visit his ancestor's homeland.

Beloved husband of the late Regina M. (Cotton) Brennan.
Loving father of Rhoda Sims and husband Arthur of Round Rock, TX, Donald Brennan, Jr. and wife Lori of Oakdale, CT, Martha Laracy and husband Paul of Norton, Bruce Brennan and wife Michelle of Leominster, and Andrew Brennan and wife Nancy of Marston Mills.
Cherished grandfather of Erica, Christopher, Janelle, Joseph, Ryan, Tyler, Michael, Thomas, Andrew, Adam, Sarah, and Molly and great grandfather of Ava, Kylie, and Felix.
Brother of the late Alan Brennan, the late Helen Ammidown, the late Wendell Brennan, the late Betty Lou Kallstrom, the late Myron Brennan, and the late Linda Barrett.
Also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Donald's Life Celebration on Tuesday, February 2, 2016 from 4-8 PM in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole. A Funeral Service will be held in Union Congregational Church, 55 Rhoades Ave, E. Walpole on Wednesday, February 3, 2016 at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow in Knollwood Memorial Park, Canton. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Donald Brennan Memorial at UCC, 55 Rhoades Avenue, East Walpole, MA 02032.